Reduce Your Risk of a Dryer Fire in Newport, MI

Dryer lint screens should be cleaned before and after each load. If it's taking longer to dry your laundry, the vent pipe should be cleaned as well.

According to the US Fire Administration, there are more than 2,500 clothes dryer fires in homes across the United States every year, causing an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damages. As simple as it seems, the biggest contributing factor of these fires is failure to clean the lint screen.

To protect your home and family from such a tragic disaster, there are several safety tips you should follow to decrease your chances of dryer fire in your home.

Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional

Follow the manufacturers operating instructions and do not try to over load your dryer

Clean the lint screen before and after every load of laundry

Do not use a dryer without a lint screen

Be extra careful when drying clothes that have been soiled with flammable substances. If possible, wash clothing more than once and hang to dry

Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn

Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint builds up and around the drum

Make sure the venting system is not damaged or crushed which restricts air flow

Check that the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating

Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer for laundry to dry, clean out the vent pipe, or have a professional service do it for you

If you or someone you know has experienced a dryer fire, or any type of fire and need help, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Carleton/Maybee at (734) 299-7006.